My Whole30 diet experience

It has been a long while since I have written on this blog. Between the last post and now I got married, moved to a new apartment, got my Ecuadorian permanent visa, and so much more. I still plan on posting about my wedding day, but that will have to be another time.

This post is about the hardest diet I have ever attempted and one of the most rewarding! To be fair, I have never even tried a diet like this before. And it's absolutely necessary to say that many baby steps were taken before trying this diet. 

Here's what it's all about: the Whole30 diet only permits eating certain foods like: meats, fish, vegetables, fruits, and eggs. The purpose is to cut out generally unhealthy, processed, or foods that cause stomach inflamation. In our case, we decided to replace all sugar with natural honey, and after 15 days we re-integrated certain foods like cheese, milk, corn, and beans but stayed away from sugar, bread, noodles, and rice. Getting rid of these foods even just for 30 days can really change your body. In case you're curious how much weight we actually lost- the pictures might help explain that: 

Our Results: 

In my before pictures I´m wearing blue shorts. 

In Byron's before pictures he's wearing brown pants. 

To be perfectly honest the results went much deeper than just what we saw in the mirror... Here's what we learned throughout this process:

What we learned by experience: 

1. Mutual Support is absolutely Necessary 

Byron (my wonderful husband) and I decided to do this diet together. One week he really wanted to quit and I encouraged him to keep going. The next week we switched roles. Without Byron I could not have finished this diet for 30 days. Doing it together is the best thing we could have done! 

2. Sugar Isn't a Necessity 

I have a huge sugar tooth and I like all things sweet, so this was the biggest challenge for me on this diet. There were some days I had crazy cravings, but by the end of the diet I realized that sugar really isn't necessary for things to taste sweet. Using honey or molasses is much better for you than white sugar. And now just some fruit is all I need to give me a little sugar boost!

3. Stress Affects Cravings Big Time! 

About half-way through the diet challenge, I was feeling pretty good about the control I had over my cravings, until something stressful happened at work. All of a sudden I could not stop thinking about one my favorite things to eat here in Loja- Empanadas y Morocho. Then the corner store nearby work has all kinds of chocolate bars and I simply wanted to eat All-The-Sweet-Things! Before running to the corner store, I started to read up on it, and I realized how the cravings were all related to stress. I think a big component of avoiding food temptations during stressful times is to remember that eating sweets won't help the situation, it could even make it worse. See next point: 

4. What You Eat Affects Your Mood

Food with a lot of sugar or even foods with a lot carbohydrates that spike blood sugar affect us greatly. We feel this burst of energy, but the problem is that it's short lived. Those levels drop rapidly afterwards. During these 30 days, whenever it had been a while and I hadn't eaten something sweet I could feel myself get upset quickly when the trigger was actually something small that I would not normally care about. Bottom line...blood sugar can turn you into a monster. I have decided to seek a balance so that my blood sugar doesn't affect me that way. So eating less carbohydrates/sugars and more vegetables is a good way to achieve that.

5. Vegetables Require Creativity 

Because all vegetables are allowed on the Whole30 diet (and because we needed to make sure we were still eating an adequate amount of calories per day) we really had to get creative to include more vegetables in each meal. For lunch and dinner we really tried to include at least 2 vegetable assortments on our plates. Thank God for pinterest and youtube which showed us that there are so many ways to eat vegetables and not just in salads! Zuchini noodles, cauliflower rice, and asparagus are now staples in our diet! 

6. Eating Well Changes Your Standards 

Before starting this diet, Byron and I would often desire to eat fast foods. Which restaurant we ate at was open to anything! However, because of this diet's restrictions going out to eat was much more difficult. By the end of the 30 days, fried and greasy foods no longer appealed to us. We wanted nutrient rich foods. We wanted meals with vegetables included! Our standards changed! 

7. More Energy, Better Exercise, and Great Sleep 

One of the biggest perks of the Whole30 diet is the energy you feel throughout the day. I felt more focused at work with less grogginess in the morning and late afternoons especially. Because you have less blood sugar lows, the stability gives you consistent energy which is amazing! Due to that constant energy level, we both felt amazing while exercising too! Additionally, this diet especially affected Byron's ability to sleep well. Before, he used to wake up at the slightest noise or movement. Now, after eating well he sleeps like a rock just like me! 

8. Dairy is NOT my friend 

This point is much more personal. One of the biggest reasons Byron and I chose to do this diet specifically is because of how it cuts out foods that commonly cause stomach inflamation. At the end of the diet, when introducing those foods again, you monitor how you react to them in your body.  We decided to introduce dairy again after 15 days and is is definitely not a friend to my body. My stomach swells up and genuinely hurts when I have milk. This is my sad reality and proves that the diet does expose you to what could be causing stomach inflamation. I'm glad that we found my main source of stomach problems. So from now on my dairy intake will be minimal and unsweetened almond milk is my go-to milk substitute. 

9. Oh the Recipes! 

If you are considering doing this diet, I have two last points written just for you. Do NOT attempt this diet if you do not like cooking. Byron and I were constantly searching for recipes and new ways to cook the same things. Luckily for us, we enjoy finding success with new recipes. Byron and his family have taught me about how fun it can be! Plus eating out is almost impossible because even the types of oils that are used for cooking are considered important for the diet. (Only olive oil is acceptable.) Now we have some favorites like Byron's mushroom and chicken sauce, or my breakfast egg casserole, that we will continue to cook on a regular basis! 

10. Value for Money 

This diet is NOT cheap. For us in Ecuador where fresh produce is readily available for very inexpensive prices, we only spent about $25 more dollars a week on things like milk substitutes, larger quantities of meat, and fancier restaurants that charge more for their good quality foods. I'm sorry to say it, but in the US, this diet would not be possible for our budget. Finding whole organic foods that are all natural just cost too much in the US which I find extremely sad.  I hope that as people become more aware of this problem, things will change. 

So there you have it! Those are the details that some of you have wanted to know about our diet. Thanks for your support and encouragement as we continue to look for ways to be healthier people! 

   

5 Things I Learn from My Boyfriend

Yesterday I celebrated 2 years since the start of my journey of living in Ecuador! When I arrived in Ecuador, I was excited to learn about myself through travel- grow as a person- and have some amazing experiences. I know God brought me to Ecuador, but I had no idea exactly how my story would go here... I still don´t know... I am living through it presently. I do know that I have found the most amazing man... my wonderful boyfriend Byron here.

Now, I´m giving you a fair warning: this is a totally cheesy post, but perhaps it will encourage you to be more cheesy with your loved ones! In this post I will list 5 things I am learning from being in love with him.

1. CONSTANTLY THINKING

Before, I didn´t quite know how completely distracting loving someone could be. Unless all of my brain power is used up on a task- such as teaching- I don´t stop thinking about Byron. I actually don´t wonder about what he´s doing nor who he is with. Instead, I ponder about HOW he is doing more than anything.  I wish I could say that my thoughts are profound and interesting, but most of the time I´m just picturing his smile and hoping that he´s smiling. It drives me to pray for him. The great thing is that I know he does the same because of messages he sends at different times throughout the day.

2. SUPPORT

Clearly there are other people in my life who I wish to fully support, but this is another level. Byron is a teacher like me so we understand each other very well. The main difference is that he teaches young children while I work with teenagers and adults. It´s no coincidence that I end up with an elementary teacher- I grew up with them: my parents. I have had years to observe the challenges that being an elementary teacher creates, and all I want to do is support him. He also supports me. We listen to each other about our latest projects, and we respect each other´s space when the other needs to work during our free time. It will be our challenge to continue this mutual support down the line, but I think we are off to a good start!

3. SHARED EXPERIENCES

Traveling solo allows for amazing experiences. I found inner strength and learnt just how capable I am to handle new situations and solve unexpected problems. It´s incredibly valuable to travel by yourself. Even so, there is nothing like exploring new places, doing new activities, and laughing at the unexpected with someone special. My friends here in Ecuador are amazing and we have shared and will continue to share wonderful experiences together. I am blessed to have my friends and to have Byron who is willing and just as excited to go with me and enjoy this life together. With Byron by my side, I have come to appreciate even more doing small trips to local places that I have never been to before, or trying new things in this town. If you think that you have to travel to a far away place to have an adventure, you are mistaken. I have learned from Byron that we only need a little creativity and effort to enjoy where we live. 

4. INDEPENDENT GROWTH

Byron and I are still individuals with our own strengths and weaknesses. No matter how many years we get to share together, that will not change. As individuals we independently have personal goals. I love the way Byron is and he loves the way I am. But much in the same way Jesus Christ loves his Church, while we accept each other even in our faults, we hope to grow in our strengths and improve in our weaknesses. I don´t feel like I HAVE to be better for him, but I WANT to. He makes me want to be a better person even though I am accepted just as I am. We are both inspired by the other.

5. APPRECIATING DIFFERENCES

At the beginning of our relationship, we went to a Bible study where we learned an important lesson that I will paraphrase here: It is very important in relationships to celebrate the similarities and appreciate the differences. Thankfully, even though we come from different cultures and different backgrounds, we were taught similar values, we share similar perspectives, and we have similar interests. That doesn´t mean we are the same in every way. We do have many differences to appreciate and little by little we are learning about those differences. Some of them are cultural, others are gender related, and others are specific to our personalities. I might write another blog about these areas where we are different, but for now I am learning to love each unique facet of what makes Byron who he is.

So there you have it 5 things that I am learning because of my wonderful Byron. I have fallen for him slowly and completely. I hope to be able to keep learning from him and with him. It´s a beautiful gift to have him in my life.

One More Thing about Loja Culture: Beauty

La Belleza 

I recently did a photo-shoot with some friends, and that's when I realized how much I've learned about how to look presentable and do extra things to look one's best because of the culture here. Beauty is a big part of Lojano culture, and I'm enjoying adapting.

La ropa 

I really have no idea where it comes from, but I know that doing one's best to habitually look presentable is a mindset for men and women that starts when one is young. First let's talk about clothing. Lojano schools have uniforms and parents teach their children to take care of those uniforms. They even take the time to iron them. Many jobs also have uniforms so their customers can have a visual for their dedication to excellence. I am required to wear a uniform at my job, and I do feel more professional because of it. Even though I never even owned one in the States, one of my first purchases in Loja was an iron!

Aside from the workplace, each occasion calls for different attire. I can honestly say that very rarely have I seen a Lojana woman wear a T-shirt and lounge pants outside her house. If it can be worn as pajamas, it does not leave the house (this "rule" does seem to be more for women than men). Casual clothing (a.k.a jeans and a t-shirt for men, and jeans and a blouse for women) is only worn at very casual events like friends or family hanging out at the park or going to see a movie on a Sunday afternoon. Exercise clothing is also only worn when exercising. Events like a nice dinner or a birthday party must be dressed up for, and going out on a Saturday night will require at least 30 minutes of preparation. For me, I've generally come to accept that I can't really overdress for any situation. I personally love this part of Lojano culture. I enjoy dressing up! 

Don't get me wrong- these customs don't make my friends shallow or superficial. Instead they recognize the truth that impressions matter. And more than anything, looking presentable is most important for the person wearing the clothes, not for those who see the person wearing the clothes. '

El maquillaje y peinado 

Let's talk about makeup and hair too! I have friends who never leave the house without make-up on. Even when they exercise, they are wearing make-up. Now, I haven't gone to that extreme, but I do realize that a little makeup can brighten up a look or play up your eyes. By living in this culture, I have truly learned that taking more time on these things is not about others, it's about myself. I value myself enough to put effort into looking my best, so I will take time to curl my hair for a special dinner or put on extra eye shadow when I go out. There's nothing wrong with looking in the mirror and liking what you see.

Comer saludable y hacer ejercicio

Speaking of enjoying the view in the mirror, another specific Lojano mentality is related to healthy living. Lojanos in general are healthy people. They emphasize eating right and exercising. This means taking the time to eat at home using fresh produce. This also means the public in general even if they are very busy during the week, use the weekends to exercise. When I began to lose weight a few months ago, almost everyone responded with either 1 of 2 questions. One: "Are you dieting?" Two: "Which gym are you going to?" There are many popular gyms in town, but I actually don't go to any of them. I exercise outside. This perspective does become contagious because they care not only about looking good, but also about feeling your best too.

Los precios

Living this way- exercising, doing hair and makeup, keeping clothing fitting well and looking good is easier for me in Loja and here's why: it's cheap! Gym memberships cost about the same as a membership in the States, but everything else is much cheaper. I can get a hair cut for less than 5 dollars. I can get my nails done for 3. Going to the tailor's to get my uniform re-fitted and fixing a pair of pants cost me 5 dollars too! I had never thought to get my clothes fitted in the States- that's for high class people, but in Loja it's within my price range! 

All of these things combined make for beautiful people. But they're not just beautiful on the outside, they have lovely hearts as well.

5 Things about Loja Culture: Tiempo Lojano

Tiempo Lojano 

Anyone who knows me, knows that I like to be punctual. It's important to me to show up on time or a little early to work, church, or any other particular event. I also like to plan ahead, or at least I used to.Then I adapted to life in Loja.

Llegar "tarde" 

The only thing in this culture that actually starts and stops on time is work (and church for the most part). People understand that work needs to begin when each person clocks in, and every worker understands that they work until the hour is up. Events with family and friends, on the other hand, do not start at the time that the invitation says. If I show up 30 minutes late, I will be one of the first ones to arrive.

Razones 

There are many reasons for this phenomena in my opinion, and I happen to like them.Reason NUMBER 1: If it's an event with friends and family- why stress over arriving on time? The whole point of getting together with friends or family is to enjoy it, so it's counter-intuitive to run around stressed about arriving on time when the reason of getting together is to relax and have fun together. Reason NUMBER 2: The show will go on whether or not I get there on time. The world and the event does not revolve around me, so those who arrive "early" can start enjoying the event even if everyone else doesn't get there on time. Reason NUMBER 3: I'm doing something with other people and it would be rude to leave that event early to go somewhere else.(more on that later). Reason NUMBER 4: I've underestimated the time I needed to get ready. My makeup isn't done, or I've decided to change my outfit/shoes/jewelry/etc. I didn't start getting ready until late, or I couldn't make up my mind on how to look my best. My guy friends are actually worse about this one than my gal pals.

Hacer planes 

Another aspect of time is how my Lojano friends make plans. In the States, for adults, if you don't make plans a week or two in advance, your plans won't happen the majority of the time. People fill up their schedules months at a time. I think that in some ways, we are afraid to have "down time." We would have to really know ourselves if we stopped going and going and going and that's scary. People from the States also tend to believe that being busy is equated with being important and valuable, so we stay busy. Most Lojano's aren't like that.

In Loja, plans are made for events that day or only days before. This is true for work, friends, and family plans. Friends will send me a text in the morning asking what I'm doing at night. At most, I will hear about something a couple days before. If I'm going to travel, it's not necessary to buy bus tickets weeks in advance.  Most people will buy the tickets a couple hours before, or at the time the bus leaves. Trying to make plans weeks in advance is useless because no one will be able to tell you whether they will be free or not. Even if you make plans a couple days before, both people have to confirm that day for the plan to work out. This difference has been difficult for me at times because I too like the security of having plans, but it's actually a beautiful thing. It allows me to be spontaneous. It looks like unexpectedly going out to coffee or dinner with friends after a long work day and having my spirits lifted. It will take a completely free weekend and turn it into the most lovely time filled with laughter and fun at the last minute.  

In general, I'm still adjusting to differences in perspective about time, but I can appreciate many of the reasons for the differences. So, I hope this post encourages you to do something spontaneous and take advantage of the time you have to spend it with the people who really matter to you!

Single Christian Foreigner: Thoughts on True Love

Normally I post about my experiences or observations on this blog. It's a way for me to reflect on things that I've gone through or observed about life in a different country. It's also a way to inform my friends, family and anyone else who is interested about life in Ecuador. Tonight I'm taking a break from that, and I'm writing about something much more important: true love.

I am a total romantic. It doesn't matter if it's complete cheesy- sweet words, holding someone's hand, a gift of flowers- any thoughtful gesture of affection melts my heart. I love the idea of love.

I am also very driven. It serves me well in most other areas of my life. If I want something, I figure out how to get it, and I work until I have what I want. I wanted to come to Ecuador a little over 3 years before I made it here, but believe me waiting was not easy.

In addition, I'm impatient. Being this way doesn't mean I don't have to wait. Instead, it means that I have a bad attitude while I'm waiting. I tend to complain or rush things so they can be the way I want them sooner. When I do that- things don't turn out the way I had hoped.

These three things make being single difficult for me. When a husband wraps an arm around his wife in church, I think "I want that." When the possibility of a friend becoming more enters my mind, I think "Ok, so what do I need to do to make it happen?" And almost every time another friend starts a relationship, gets engaged, or posts romantic pictures on social media I can't help but wonder, "When will it be my turn God?"

Because of my weaknesses, I have hurt others and I have hurt myself. I feel awful because of that. Even though we've already talked, if you are reading this and I ever hurt you, I'm truly sorry.

Tonight, I took a walk and began to think of Jesus. I started to ponder his love for me. As romantic as I think I am- He's so much more. He is the author of love. We get butterflies in our stomachs when that special someone is around because he made us that way. We can care for someone incredibly deeply despite their flaws because He created us to be like Him. We love because God first loved us. One day Jesus is going to put his arm around my shoulder and it will be a better sensation than one I could have here on this earth. When I question: "What do I need to do? What should I do?," the answer is nothing. I can't force someone to love me, and I can't do enough good things to make God love me. Jesus already did everything for me. And as far as when it'll be my turn, well my question shows that I have forgotten how I have already been chosen. God, the creator of the universe--visible things like the Loja mountains and invisible things like forgiveness and love-- wants me to be his. For now, He wants me all to himself and maybe one day He'll be willing to share, but one thing is for certain- I'm going to remain his for all of eternity.    

That's True Love.

5 Things about Loja Culture: Part 2

One of the most difficult parts of being in another country is being without family, but living here has helped shaped how I think about family. So here are a few things I've observed about family here in Loja!

Familia

Anyone who knows anything about Hispanics knows that family is of utmost importance to them. That's not new information, but it manifests itself in different ways and in my experience I have seen a new depth to this truth in Loja. 

La casa 

The easiest way to see the attention given to family here in Ecuador is living accommodations. Recently, I was talking with a student about her family. They live in one house with multiple floors. She lives with her parents and her younger sister, who is married and has two kids, on the first floor. Her grandmother, brothers, 2 sisters-in-law and their five kids live on the second floor. Then just two doors down the street, there's a house where some of her aunts, uncles and cousins live! And this isn't only her case. It's extremely common for families here to share houses, but have their separate space and personal kitchens for their family on the first or second or even third floor of the house. Compare this with the two or three times a year I used to see my cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandparents growing up and the difference is obvious! If the family doesn't live in the same place, they do their best to stick together. I have a friend who travels 10 hours by bus every weekend to be with his family! Proximity of living doesn't necessarily mean that they are always together, but for special holidays or weekends family is what it's all about!

Domingo

Another way family importance is obvious in this culture is Sunday. Sunday is a day for quality time with family. Tasks for work are put aside and parents spend time with their children. Stores are closed because everyone is at home or out with family. Cousins, siblings, and even grandparents meet in the park to play soccer, basketball, volleyball, or enjoy time outside. A big lunch is served and the whole gang gets together to enjoy a delicious meal. It's like Thanksgiving on a regular basis and in my eyes it's beautiful! 

Permiso

The most extreme way that I have seen family importance come into play is with asking permission. Many of my Lojano friends are around my age (20s and 30s.) And they continue to live with their parents until they get married and even then they may continue to live with the family which is also totally normal. What is still shocking to me is that they still ask their parents for permission to go out. They have curfews at 27 years old! Some have very understanding parents who do give them freedom to do as they please, but others aren't as fortunate. I've had times when adult friends weren't able to make it to an event. I later get a call that their parents didn't want them out of the house that night. This doesn't mean that they are incapable of being independent, successful, fully-capable adults. It just means that they hold their parents opinion in very high regard. As a very independent woman, whose parents let her travel alone to another country (thank you mom and dad!), many of my friends are still confused by how I have chosen to live. While this is still a difficult concept to wrap my brain around, if I have kids one day that value my opinion as much as my Lojano friends value their mothers, I would be an incredibly blessed mom.

I'm sure there's still much more to learn in regards to the culture of family here. So far I have learned how important family is. Of course there's no such thing as a perfect family because there's no such thing as a perfect person (excluding Jesus), but there is always something or someone to be grateful for. I've grown to appreciate my own family more by being here. I've also grown in gratitude for friends who look out for me. Some of my lovely friends with wonderful families have welcomed me into their family world to share special moments. So I want to say thanks to those friends and to my own family. You're the best!  

5 Things about Loja Culture: Part 1 Cariño

I am coming up on 1 year living here in Loja! I am back in my home culture for a short time to visit my family! Since I'm here at home, I have been reflecting more about culture again. When I first arrived in Ecuador, everything was about culture. I was constantly thinking, "Wow! That's different. I really enjoy that." Or "That was confusing. I bet it's a cultural thing." And sometimes, "Hey! How rude... Oh wait... CULTURE.. it's just a different culture." But after a while, I just got used to how things are. I simply adapted even up to a point where I'm no longer comparing; I'm just living. Now though, as I'm already experiencing reverse culture shock (when your home culture actually surprises you because you've been away from it for a time), I have had more conversations with fellow foreigners and even Lojano friends about culture. Through those conversations, I've realized that there are many more deeper aspects to culture here that I've been blessed to experience, so I want to share them! Just so you know: one year does not make me an expert. I know I have a lot more to learn.

Quick Side Note:  When I started this post I didn't realize how much I would have to say about each topic, but now that I've finished I've decided to post each week on one more topic until I run out. Enjoy!

Cariño 

Cariño is a Spanish word that I can't quite translate into only one word in English. For me, one word translation simply doesn't carry the weight that Cariño does in Spanish.  So here's what I would say it is: a combination of affection, caring, compassion, loving kindness, and fondness. I first met Ecuadorians a few years ago, and we made instant connections and fast friendships. They captured my heart and I didn't really know why. Now I can easily say it's their Cariño. Now obviously not every person from Loja is incredibly kind and warm-hearted. Some are pessimistic. Some are anti-social. Some complain and gossip. BUT, to the ones I've opened up my heart and my life to- they have welcomed me in without judgement. As a young teacher, I still ask many questions of my friends who have greater experience, and not once have I felt like my questions were a nuisance to them. Most of my friends from church don't know English, but I never feel less-than because it might take me longer to express my thoughts in my second language. Even my neighbors, Carmita my landlady, or Gustavo the family man who works at local market where I shop are happy to advise me when I need help (which was a lot when I first got into town!).

When it is decided that someone is important to them, they not only say it- they show it! Along with saying thank you regularly, many students give teachers small gifts on their birthdays. One time, one of my classes decided to bring me pizza and cake to celebrate a special occasion! I've also received flowers and chocolates on multiple occasions. Co-workers take moments to smile and ask how things are going. We have been reminded to keep the conversations short because we are there to work after all. Friends have fun experiences together and make time just to chat. One of the biggest cultural shock moments I had when I first arrived to Ecuador was the time when some friends decided to get together and I asked them what we would do, and they said "probably just hang." In the States that might mean, we'll watch a movie, look up youtube videos, play cards, or play video games. No matter what there will be some kind of entertainment at least according to my experience, but not in Ecuador. That night we got together at a friend's house, and we just chatted. "Just hanging" means probably listening to music, maybe drinking tea or coffee, and talking. I've spent countless valuable hours just talking with my friends. The purpose of being together is to focus on each other not on some form of entertainment, and I love it!

Cariño is also seen in boy-girl interactions and romantic relationships. I've seen it with my friends. Men are gentlemen here. They open doors, carry in groceries when we buy out for a party, carry anything heavy that needs transport. They offer their arm or jacket if it's cold outside, walk friends home at night and some even walk closer to the road. It's a protective thing. While some independent women from the States might find it offensive, I think it's incredibly sweet.
These are things many men do just for their friends. It's definitely heightened in romantic relationships. I see it all the time: people taking a moment to kiss shortly before they part on the street, and couples walking hand in hand. It's adorable and I love it! Two of my friends have been married for over 15 years and the way he treats her is the best way I can think of to describe Cariño in a romantic relationship. If they are together, he is touching her somehow- by putting his arm around her, resting his hand on her knee, or holding her hand. He'll also go out of his way to help her out with things she needs and sometimes even small things that she wants. It's clear that she is his sweetheart and he adores her. She usually responds with a sweet smile and a thank you. He wanted to make her happy and he was successful. It melts my heart!  Even the Spanish language has expressions to show different levels of affection that English doesn't which are often said in those romantic relationships.

To those who still don't understand why I would ever want to leave the United States and come to a foreign country with a foreign language and a foreign culture, I hope this clears up some confusion. I also hope that I have learned from my friends how to show Cariño back to them and to others.